College Distance Learning Interview with Jim Vidmar

College Distance Learning: Interview with Jim Vidmar About Distance Learning Love to Know (LTK): Why did you decide to earn your degree online? Related Articles Korean Language Distance Learning Classes for College Credit Korean Language Distance Learning Classes for College Credit Wastewater Treatment Operator Distance Learning Programs Wastewater Treatment Operator Distance Learning Programs Distance Learning Speech Pathology Graduate Programs Distance Learning Speech Pathology Graduate Programs Jim Vidmar (JV): I was interested in working on my degree online because I didn't want to commit the time necessary to obtain a traditional, classroom-based degree. I enjoy a variety of activities away from work, so I thought the flexibility to study on my own schedule would be best. I also chose to complete my degree online because I was able to obtain a recognized credential from a major, accredited research university and not a corporate storefront. LTK: How has your online degree benefited your career? JV: I work in adult and higher education in a university environment, so an advanced degree will definitely make more opportunities available to me. In fact, following the completion of my graduate degree, I have started teaching online marketing courses for the college I graduated from. Pros and Cons of Distance Learning LTK: What are the advantages of distance learning? What are the disadvantages? JV: The most distinct advantage of distance learning is the opportunity to study on your own schedule. While many people enjoy the experience and accountability associated with attending classroom instruction, I believe online or distance learning provides the most flexible opportunity for working adults. The curriculum I worked through was also heavily augmented with online resources that provided a wealth of timely information that is not often available in textbooks. The inherent disadvantages are created by the course delivery method. Students miss out on the opportunity to visit with professors face-to-face, and the chance to discuss course topics with other students in an open, academic setting. LTK: Do you feel your coursework was as challenging as the classes in a traditional university? Why or why not? JV: The online degree I completed was interdisciplinary based, meaning it included perspectives from the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. I definitely feel it was as challenging and rigorous a program as a traditional, classroom-based curriculum. In many ways, it was probably more challenging, because as a student you have to be more dedicated to studying the course material, extracting the key points, and synthesizing that information into academic papers.